Zaini Ujang, UTM alumnus and former vice-chancellor, named Professor Emeritus on Dec. 22, 2025, for his three-decade impact on Malaysian education and leadership.

Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang was named Professor Emeritus by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on December 22, 2025, honoring his three-decade career in academia, public service, and national education leadership. A double alumnus of UTM, he served as the university’s Vice-Chancellor from 2008 to 2013, becoming the first alumnus and youngest person to lead a Malaysian public university. He also held the rare role of Secretary-General for five Malaysian ministries, including Higher Education, and helped shape the national Higher Education Blueprint 2015–2025. In March 2025, he was reappointed Chairman of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. After retiring from public service, he launched a 100-day global lecture tour across 15 countries and over 40 universities, promoting international academic collaboration, sustainability, and Malaysia’s knowledge culture.